🪑🪑Chair Seat Restoration🪑🪑

I will be restoring a chair seat back to its original look. When I bought this chair at auction, the needlepoint covering was ripped beyond repair, the webbing in the seat had collapsed and tacks were embedded in the horse hair filling. I am using the same webbing technique that was originally used in this chair (minus the tacks and switching for staples). I am using a 1" poly foam for the cushioning. Finally, I am finishing this off with a beautiful needlepoint.

[@greatodinsraven5114]

Looking for needle point tips, which I rarely do as an upholsterer, but thought I'd mention to those reading this that you will want to put burlap or a light material over the webbing or the webbing will eventually cut through the foam. Also you always want to pad the foam with a cotton or Dacron (synthetic cotton). Foam is an open cell product and will open its pores when you sit. When you get up those same pores close which can and will pluck the underside of your upholstery, ruining the material from the inside out.

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

Good suggestion!

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Mark, the finished chair looks gorgeous! It's more beautiful with the dark floral needlepoint than it was with the original light mauve-colored tapestry, great job! ~Margie

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

Thanks so much! I really like that color much better, too! 😊

[@marybeth4002]

The end result of your chair restoration is stunning. I never would have thought that the darker embroidery piece would be a good match but what a lovely surprise. You have a great eye for classic and elegant styling. I'm really appreciating your content of both antiques and gardening. Glad to have 'found' you.

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

Thank you so much! That was actually not my first choice of covering for that chair. The seat is much wider in front than it appears on video. But, I couldn't believe how much more "stately" the piece became with that change and I like it, too! Glad you're here! 😊

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Grand job Mark 💕 it looks beautiful

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@susanmitchell2687]

Beautiful needlepoint and chair restoration. Thanks for sharing.. how awesome to go to those magnificent estate homes.

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

Thanks for the feedback. It is really fun to be able to secure a piece or two from some of the historic estates. 😊

[@Thelostboots]

Beautiful chair! Thanks for the tutorial!

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

Thank you so much! Appreciate you watching.

[@conniehale2387]

Absolutely gorgeous, great job!

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

Thank you! 😊

[@sherryroseman]

Great job! Beautiful chair!

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

Thank you! 😊

[@marathon1ism]

Was the fabric around the needle point a special fabric or is it just the remaining needle point fabric? Great job!!!! Do you happen to know what pattern that is??? Thanks so much!

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

That is the remaining fabric from the needlepoint. I’m not sure if there is a pattern name. It was one a late relative did several years ago. However, I have found some vintage needlepoint pieces available on Etsy and EBay from time-to-time!

[@marathon1ism]

@@antiquegardenshowcase ok thanks!

[@Gigi-li2mn]

Hello, I bought 4 of the same exact chairs I just removed the fabric someone put over the original seat and it’s exactly the same pattern as yours. They’re very dirty though and I think some of the red dye from the new fabric may have rubbed off on the black. Is there any chance you might be able to tell me how to clean these and bring them back as much as possible to their original state? There are no tears they’re In surprisingly good shape accept for being very dirty.I was shocked to find the original pattern underneath. Thank you

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

Without seeing them, it’s really hard to say 100% how I would clean. A cleaning approach I’ve read about for cleaning old textiles is to always take a dampened q-tip and rub against fabric to check for color fastness, first. If it doesn’t run, the article said to wash in an oxy clean solution in cool water - to avoid shrinkage and lessen the possibility of a color run. I would let them air dry on a flat drying rack to avoid creasing. I hope this helps. Good luck!!!

[@Gigi-li2mn]

@@antiquegardenshowcase Thank you

[@michellejens2769]

What is that woven strip called and where can I find it?

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

I’m not sure of the proper name, but I found mine in the fabric section at my local Hobby Lobby. It was available in different widths depending on your project need. It’s a jute type banding…

[@greatodinsraven5114]

Its just called webbing. I prefer the jute webbing, not elastic as the elastic will stretch out ant the seat will soon sag. You want to get it to stretch as tight as possible. I use a webbing stretcher to achieve this.